Is the 2003 FORD FIESTA reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of FORD FIESTAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 29,898 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2003 FORD FIESTA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), including £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 FORD FIESTA?

The 2003 FORD FIESTA has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 29,898 tests in 2026. This ranks 263 out of 445 cars from 2003.

Which year FORD FIESTA is most reliable?

The 2021 FORD FIESTA has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 1998 at 65%.

FORD FIESTA (2003)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2003 FORD FIESTA?

The average mileage for a 2003 FORD FIESTA is 96,816 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 29,898 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,887

£157/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£195

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1388cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1388cc23 years old29,898 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1388cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1388cc

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,887

Per month£157/mo

Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 23 years old, 71% of FORD FIESTAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 29,898 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 96,816 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars263th of 445(top 59%)

Rank among FORD models1013th of 1,167(top 87%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 2003 cars average-1%(72% avg)

vs FORD average-14%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

96,816

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 FORD FIESTA has 96,816 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2003 sits between the two at 71%.

FORD FIESTA by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	93%	404	18,726 mi
2021	94%	6,234	22,177 mi
2020	91%	34,173	29,611 mi
2019	91%	124,950	34,738 mi
2018	90%	157,746	42,265 mi
2017	85%	154,616	48,995 mi
2016	81%	205,128	56,940 mi
2015	81%	225,575	63,696 mi
2014	79%	224,536	71,010 mi
2013	77%	211,536	77,629 mi
2012	75%	185,847	83,104 mi
2011	75%	161,778	90,389 mi
2010	73%	165,879	95,140 mi
2009	72%	180,029	96,775 mi
2008	72%	109,443	95,143 mi
2007	72%	99,442	96,164 mi
2006	70%	81,463	97,129 mi
2005	70%	48,429	97,715 mi
2004	71%	39,183	97,910 mi
2003	71%	29,898	96,816 mi
2002	70%	14,118	88,471 mi
2001	68%	4,970	72,535 mi
2000	67%	2,809	71,739 mi
1999	67%	4,854	66,066 mi
1998	65%	4,382	56,318 mi
1997	66%	1,926	57,252 mi
1996	71%	1,061	51,823 mi
1995	74%	859	53,478 mi
1994	77%	616	50,884 mi
1993	69%	565	50,329 mi
1992	76%	545	53,988 mi
1991	84%	854	51,137 mi
1990	83%	479	53,299 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

same

FORD FOCUS

2005 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

same

TOYOTA YARIS

2005 · 1299cc Petrol

£1,722/year

73%

+2%

HONDA JAZZ

2005 · 1300cc Petrol

£1,722/year

70%

-1%

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About the 2003 FORD FIESTA

The 2003 FORD FIESTA is a small family car with a 1388cc petrol engine. 29,898 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 96,816 miles at 23 years old, FORD FIESTA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 FORD FIESTA Fuel Costs

The 1388cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 FORD FIESTA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

FORD FIESTA Reliability Trend

Newer FORD FIESTAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 FORD FIESTA

At 23 years old, the FORD FIESTA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 29,898 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 FORD FIESTA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 97k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2003 FORD FIESTA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
FORD FIESTA(2003)	71%	£1137	£195	Grp 8-20	£1887
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£60
FORD FOCUS(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£60
TOYOTA YARIS(2005)	73%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£165
HONDA JAZZ(2005)	70%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£165

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.